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Travelling from S Lake Tahoe

Hi all

We are travelling down from S Lake Tahoe tomorrow to west Yosemite. Google maps advised best route to be on Tiaga Road. We have a national parks annual pass but our entry permit for Yosemite only commences on 12th (the following day). Am I right therefore to think we cannot use the Tiaga route?

Thanks and sorry if this is a silly question.

Lucy

Hello Lucy,

You are correct in your understanding regarding Tioga Road and Yosemite entry permits. Tioga Road (Highway 120 East) is a scenic route that passes through Yosemite’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows. Here’s how it works in your situation:

1) Entry permit requirement:

For the dates you mentioned, Yosemite National Park requires a timed entry reservation for vehicles entering the park, especially for the busy season or special dates. Even with a National Parks Annual Pass, you still need a valid entry permit for the specific date to drive through Tioga Road or any part of Yosemite that falls under the timed entry system.

2) Tioga Road accessibility:

  • If your entry permit does not start until the 12th, you are not allowed to enter the portion of Yosemite that requires the permit before that date. This includes the Tioga Road corridor from the west entrance (Big Oak Flat or Crane Flat) to the eastern parts of the park.
  • Entering without a permit could result in fines or being turned back at checkpoints.

3) Alternative routes:

  • You can drive around Yosemite on highways that do not enter the restricted permit areas. For example, traveling via Highway 395 along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada is an option to bypass Tioga Road.
  • Another option is to start your trip from a point south of Yosemite and enter via a western entrance after your permit becomes valid.

4) Planning tip:

Check the Yosemite National Park website or the Recreation.gov portal for the most up-to-date permit requirements and road closures. Tioga Road is often closed in winter due to snow, so confirm its status before planning your route.

In summary, without a permit valid for the 11th, you should not use Tioga Road tomorrow. Plan an alternate route outside the permit area or wait until your permit date begins on the 12th to enjoy Tioga Road safely and legally.

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